Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Summer Lovin’ by Carly Phillips

Zoe's a security specialist and a Costas through and through. Her eccentric, rather dubious family runs an Atlantic City spa that's just this side of legit. So Zoe isn't inclined to trust handsome, charming Ryan Baldwin when he shows up claiming to be related to Sam, the girl the Costas family is about to adopt. But Ryan is Sam's uncle and one of the famously rich and snooty Boston Baldwins.

Ryan's search for his sister Faith has led him to news of her death, and to a niece he's never met. But someone else has also tracked Sam down—someone who never wanted the child to be found. Ryan is determined to protect Sam and find out what really happened to his sister. And Zoe "Whatever-It-Takes" Costas is just the woman to help him do it…

She works security and loves her new adopted sister. He’s trying to make up for the mistakes of his sister, by searching for his niece. What happens when Ryan finds Sam and falls for Zoe? It’s Summer Lovin’.

This novel by Carly Phillips is great reading from start to finish. The characters are fun and full of life. The scenes are rich with details. You feel like you are there in Atlantic City, as you follow Zoe Costas decide whether Ryan Baldwin is worth her aggravation. Can she love a man that’s so different from anyone she’s ever known?

Ryan and Zoe come from different worlds: she’s from a family of con artists and he’s from a family built on old money. When their lives collide on account of Samantha, Ryan’s sister’s daughter, then hearts get involved.

I liked that Ryan fell for Zoe because of her strength and heart. He saw past the tough veneer to the fragile woman inside. Sam’s care for the pig, Ima, was a great touch to draw the reader in and to show that the unlikeliest of pairs can be strong bonds.

Samantha and Zoe both had abandonment issues. Sam because she wasn’t wanted by her birth mother and Zoe because she had to give up her folks to work an undercover operation. Many people fear losing the ones they love, which helps the reader identify with the characters.

If you want a fun read for a lazy afternoon, then Summer Lovin’ is the novel for you. I give this book 4 ½ books.

RATING EXPLANATION:

1 Star— At this time, we at LASR do not post these reviews. If the book was boring, badly edited, poorly written, had little or no plot, stilted dialogue, and/or unsympathetic characters, we will decline the review.

2 Stars— Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you'd re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library - not buy - and never check out again.

3 Stars— Good. Mostly enjoyable. You made it through and didn't consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw you back in and keep you. There's a chance you'll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn't go on your keeper shelf.

4 Stars— Very Good. You're glad you were the one who got to review the book. You would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to your friends. You liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Stars— Great! You would definitely buy this book. You would definitely recommend it to your friends. You really loved the characters and the plot and would consider looking for this authors back list or making her an autobuy. The writing and editing were superb.

LASR Best Book - For a book or story that is truly exceptional. You think about it when you're not reading it. You wonder what happens to the characters when you finish. You would absolutely buy everything else this author had to offer. The highest praise - and reserved for only a few.

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